Music (GCSE

WHY SHOULD I OPT FOR MUSIC?

You will enjoy this course if you want to study a subject that: • Involves performing music to others • Involves listening to all kinds of music • Involves creating and composing acoustic and/or electronic music • Develops your understanding of musical conventions, structures and notation

BRIEF OVERVIEW:

The GCSE Music course is about making and listening to all types of music. It requires students to have a keen interest in improving their performing and listening skills across a wide variety of styles as well as developing the ability to compose and analyse music. Students undertaking the GCSE course should be receiving regular instrumental or singing lessons (first-study singers find it useful to have a ‘second instrument’) and be able to demonstrate practical ability of Grade 3 or higher. Whilst it is not essential to be able to read standard musical notation fluently, a good working knowledge is highly beneficial. Naturally, GCSE Music students are expected to take an active part in music ECAs.

ASSESSMENT:

1. PERFORMANCE (30%)

At least two assessed performances (a solo and an ensemble piece), with a combined duration of at least four minutes. It is expected that students will perform frequently during the course and then select, with the guidance of the Music School staff and the support of their instrumental or vocal teacher, at least two pieces for final assessment.

2. COMPOSITION (30%)

Two assessed pieces of composition course work with a combined duration of a least three minutes. One must be a response to a brief set by the exam board; the other is a ‘free’ composition whose brief will be designed by the student in conjunction with the Music staff.

3. LISTENING AND APPRAISING (40%)

A 1 hr 45 min listening exam covering four Areas of Study: Instrumental Music 1700-1820, Vocal Music, Music for Stage and Screen, and Fusions. The questions will examine students’ detailed theoretical knowledge and contextual understanding of eight set works, as well as their ability to compare them with unfamiliar works of the same genre.